Q54 Catherine Atkinson (Derby North MP): You mentioned the midland main line. While there is still design work going on, I understood that the practical electrification work for the stage it was at has now completed, and the end of the next tendering process will not be until September next year. Has there been any work in looking at the risks to the supply chain and to skills, and making sure that we keep them in this country rather than their being attracted to other countries?
Alex Hynes (Director General, Rail Services (DfT)): We are electrifying the midland main line between St Pancras, which was already electrified, and Wigston in Leicestershire. We are introducing the brand-new electric hybrid trains next year, which will be great for passengers. Network Rail and the Department are talking to the supply chain about the next potential phases of midland main line electrification—Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield. Any decision around that will come out of the spending review. Network Rail is talking to the supply chain, particularly around prices and tendering strategy, for further phases of electrification if we have the money to do so.